Zumikon / Leverkusen – "There's never been anything like it"
were the words used in the online edition of an acclaimed
international news magazine to describe its editor's reaction when
the first sketches of the new Rinspeed concept car, "eXasis",
appeared on the Internet, "and it looks like no other vehicle before
it". In fact, the illustrations could only hint at what Swiss
automotive visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht had thought up in
collaboration with the experts from Bayer MaterialScience AG – one
of the largest plastics producers in the world – ­to mark his
company's 30th anniversary: a drivable "glass" car with a completely
transparent body and floor made of Makrolon®. Once again, this
Rinspeed creation has been built by the Swiss engineering
specialists Esoro, and will be shown to the public for the first
time at the Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18, 2007), 40 years after
Bayer presented the first "all-plastic car" at the K67 Plastics Fair
in Germany in 1967.

"Everyone who sees the eXasis for the first time raves about the
glass car, but they actually mean our transparent high-tech
plastic," says Ian Paterson, the member of the Bayer MaterialScience
Board of Management responsible for Innovation, describing the
typical reaction to the prototype. "Many people only talk about
innovation. We do it, in conjunction with our partners." In fact,
nearly all the Bayer MaterialScience business units were involved in
the development of the concept car, providing products such as
surface coatings and polyurethanes (for molding tools). but it was
the plastics experts from BMS with their Makrolon® polycarbonate who
were responsible for the transparency of the eXasis. Frank M.
Rinderknecht: "In this ethereal transparency, the true spirit of the
eXasis becomes visible. An abstract idea becomes material, visions
become a tangible car. Yet the eXasis still doesn't seem to have
quite arrived in our material world."

So is it just a clever 3D projection, a fata morgana or perhaps a
four-wheel ‘objet d'art’? In any case, the third vehicle to emerge
from the cooperation between the two companies differs fundamentally
from the other two: the futuristic-looking "Senso" and the
pure-blooded "zaZen" sports car. The eXasis is a completely new
development, in other words it is not based on a production-line
vehicle. The insect-like, shiny yellow body with the exposed wheels
looks like a mix of the legendary Auto-Union racing cars from the
first half of the last century and an off-road vehicle, offering
room for two people, one behind the other. The reinterpretation of
the frequently cited cigar form is crowned in the "sexy" rear
section with an attractively integrated ventilator and a superb
matching, highly polished Remus exhaust muffler. And the
transparency also provides an unrestricted view of the compact
2-cylinder 750 ccm Weber engine, which, very unusually, sits above
the transmission.

The eXasis is a real eye-catcher with nothing to hide. The outer
Makrolon® shell, molded by the Swiss firm Mecaplex and coated with a
tinge of yellow by the German hard coatings specialist, KRD, reveals
the vehicle's load-bearing aluminum chassis. The chassis looks as if
it has been cut from a solid piece of material, and in fact the
bulkheads are. Despite this, the entire construction exudes a sense
of lightness like bamboo, underlined by a Lesonal chrome effect
finish based on Bayer MaterialScience's Desmodur® and Desmophen®. To
finish the surfaces of the knobs and levers, the Bayer experts came
up with a special soft-feel coating based on waterborne binders -
their sole aim being to pamper the eyes and hands of the driver.

The two occupants sit in special seats designed in cooperation with
Recaro. Each seat consists of twelve transparent Makrolon® ribs –
the same number as a human being has. The head restraint and
armrests are made of transparent Technogel®. The Hightex/Sellner
Group, which is specialized in interior design, was responsible not
only for the futuristic seat coverings and the design of the
fabric-covered steering wheel, it has also added a number of other
stylish highlights. One example is the innovative application of
aluminized glass fiber material with a diamond-shape design on the
wheel rims, trim, wishbones, fuel tank and headlamps.

The two transparent indicator and function displays are an absolute
delight, both technically and optically. They seem to hover on both
sides in the driver's field of vision. By touching them, various
functions can be displayed and controlled. Each of the touch-panels
is made of a transparent CD/DVD Makrolon® blank that has been coated
with electrically conductive Baytron® from H.C. Starck to trigger
the switch functions. The displays were developed by the Swiss
safety and closure system specialists, Kaba. The personalized access
system to the car is also be integrated in the touch panels.

The "eXasis" is powered by an extremely lightweight, 150 bhp Weber
engine driven by CO2-emission-reducing bioethanol. In view of the
fact that the car weighs only 750 kg because of its lightweight
plastic construction, one horsepower has to shift only 5 kg – and
that is about the same as a very nippy Porsche.

Rinspeed was also able to persuade some state-owned companies and
government departments to become involved in the eXasis project. The
fuel is provided by Alcosuisse, the profit center of the Swiss
Alcohol Board, while the Swiss Federal Office of Energy has chosen
the eXasis to take part in a study on the subject of lightweight
construction and ecology. More information on bioethanol and
Germany's first fuel station brand for environmentally friendly
fuels can be found on the Internet at biofuel24.de.

To transfer all this power to the road, the KW chassis specialists
have accommodated the tailor-made spring and shock absorber units
vertically in the front in the partition wall and horizontally at
the rear. The tires are Pirelli's 22-inch High-Performance P Zero,
mounted on forged five-spoke wheels manufactured by the German wheel
maker, AEZ. Here too, attention to detail is evident: the wheels are
decorated with transparent "inlays" of Makrolon® that look like
small windows.

Despite the attractive sweeping contours that blend smoothly into
the car's transparency, the eXasis is ‘edgy’ and definitely has a
character of its own. But everybody who has the pleasure of driving
it is agreed on one thing: glancing down through the transparent
floor while the car is moving gives a very special kind of thrill…

Swiss made
Esoro

Frank M. Rinderknecht used highly advanced technology and a
Swiss-based network of top automotive specialists for his project.
Although there is no automobile production in Switzerland, there is
a very active automotive supply industry there. Many highly
innovative prototypes have been developed and manufactured in
Switzerland. engineered by Esoro - What you dream is what you get.

For the eighth time the Swiss engineering company
Esoro was hired to serve as general contractor for the entire
vehicle project. Esoro was responsible for project management,
implementation of new technologies, engineering, design and
manufacturing of the Rinspeed “eXasis”.

Esoro realized the concept with the help of its highly competent
suppliers Schwaller AG (chassis),
Weber Motor /
Swissauto (engine) and
Protoscar (styling). Starting with initial concepts, it took the
highly skilled development team just six months to realize the
entire project.

Esoro has been a contract developer in the areas of automotive
production, lightweight design and plastics technology for 16 years.
During this time it has gained a well-deserved reputation for
excellent efficiency and innovative solutions not just in these but
also in other fields, including fuel-cell vehicles and prototype
design. Esoro has impressively demonstrated its expertise with
numerous extraordinary prototypes.

Another recent development from Esoro is the new
E-LFT production technology developed for Weber Fibertech. E-LFT
makes large scale production of high-strength and lightweight
composite parts affordable. E-LFT composite parts weigh 30-50
percent less than comparable steel parts. The tailgate of the new
smart fortwo is actually produced with our E-LFT technology.
Furthermore another production process for niche markets, like high
performance cars, trucks and caravans is now introduced by ESORO to
several OEM’s. The new and patented process called
Melt Embossing does offer the possibility to produce high end
thermoplastic composite parts with low initial invest for structural
and semi-structural applications. Esoro is able to offer the entire
service starting from topological optimization and explicit FE
calculations trough to the delivery of the serial parts.

eXasis - why the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is
involved in this project

The
SFOE is interested in the eXasis concept for two main reasons:
The vehicle is energy-efficient thanks to its lightweight
construction and it is powered by renewable energy.

The most effective way to cut a motor vehicle’s fuel consumption is
to reduce its body weight, and this in turn gives rise to other
weight reductions: Lighter vehicle - lighter components - smaller
and lighter engine.

Effects of improvements:

Nature of
improvement

Reduction of
fuel consumption in %

Weight
reduction by 1%

- 0.7%

Reduction of
air resistance by 1%

- 0.25%

Reduction of
rolling resistance by 1%

- 0.27%

Increase in
engine efficiency

Equivalent
reduction of fuel consumption

The SFOE is of
course well aware that the eXasis can never be brought onto the
commercial market. However, components and assemblies based on its
technology can certainly help cut fuel consumption. Viewed in this
light, eXasis can function as a demonstration platform for
lightweight (i.e. energy-efficient) components such as: seats, body
panels and fenders.

The second reason for the SFOE’s involvement in this project
concerns the fuel the vehicle uses: E85. This is a mixture
comprising 15 percent petrol and 85 percent ethanol. Ethanol is a
renewable bio-fuel that is largely CO2 neutral when burned. In the
future it will become especially attractive once it can be marketed
as a second-generation bio-fuel (i.e. use of the entire plant
instead of just its fruit). Thanks to its high octane level, E85 can
also be used in engines with a high compression ratio, and this in
turn increases the engine’s level of efficiency.

Reduction of CO2 with bioethanol

By signing the protocol of Kyoto,
Switzerland engaged to reduce the emission of climate affecting
gas. Our law on CO2 requires that the emissions up to the year 2010
get reduced for 10 % compared with 1990. The use of bioethanol as
fuel may be a contribution to reach this objective. During its
project Etha+, Alcosuisse – a profit centre of the Swiss Alcohol
Board – analyses the use and the competitive ability of ethanol
blended petrol in Switzerland.

Bioethanol means ethyl alcohol obtained by fermentation of sugars in
plants. The chemical formula of bioethanol is the same as for
traditional ethanol (C2H5OH). Ethanol may only be named as
bioethanol if it is produced from vegetable raw material like for
example wood, beets, corn and grass. These renewable energy sources
we know also as biomass.

Concerning the production and use of bioethanol as a fuel, Brazil is
probably the most advanced country. There, bioethanol takes 22 % of
the fuel needs. In the USA, more than 10 % of petrol is blended with
more than 10 % bioethanol. In Sweden, the petrol that is blended
with 5 % bioethanol gets distributed by the normal cannels and
without any special label at the filling station.

Unleaded petrol as a blend with 5 % bioethanol reduces the emission
of CO2 for about 3.5 % to 4.0 % per litre petrol replaced by
bioethanol. That means there is a reduction of 1.6 kg to 1.8 kg CO2
emission. As long as the ethanol is produced only from renewable raw
materials the production lasts CO2 neutral. The emission of
greenhouse gas during the production and combustion of bioethanol
get compensated by the plant's CO2 intake during its growth.

Several studies allowed express by concrete figures the reduction of
CO2 emissions. Unleaded petrol blended with 5 % bioethanol provides
for savings of 1.3 litres crude oil and 2.4 kg CO2equiv per added
litre bioethanol on the same power density. If the total of Swiss
petrol consumption was replaced by ethanol blended petrol, we
reached an annual reduction of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions for over
600'000 tons.

However, from the production surplus from potatoes, grain, sugar
beets and whey, there could be produced 45 million litre bioethanol
today. This corresponds to 900 million litre petrol blended with 5 %
bioethanol. That means about a fifth of the Swiss petrol
consumption.

Due to the high labour costs and several legal regulations to be
met, the prime costs in Switzerland are much higher than for example
in Brazil. That's why, for an inland production of bioethanol, a
protection by customs or contingents especially during the starting
phase would be necessary. This might be difficult to agree with the
current economic policy and the existing trade agreements. So, for
politic and economic reasons it seems obviously to import the
bioethanol. If this is also ecologically efficient, is undecided.

Actually, the largest part of bioethanol that is used for fuel
purpose in Switzerland is produced by Borregaard Schweiz AG in
Attisholz. The ethanol is obtained by fermentation of a by-product
of the cellulose production. The raw material of this Swiss
Bioethanol for fuel purpose is wood.
A word from our technical partners

AEZ Leichtmetallräder - The Company

With sales in excess of 1,500,000 units worldwide
AEZ is the top wheel producer and leader in the European
passenger car aftermarket. AEZ has managed to remake its image,
going from classic wheel manufacturer to leading image brand in less
than a decade. AEZ owes its success to impressive designs, speed in
innovation, top quality standards and strong customer service.

AEZ’s impressive product portfolio ranges from classic designer
wheels to exclusive more-section designs, including wheels for SUV
and off-road vehicles. AEZ is one of the few manufacturers
world-wide to offer a new generation of super-light wheels. Lite tec®
wheels are lighter than any other alloy wheels, made by either heat
treating the wheel or by applying a rotation forging process to the
wheel dish or other high-tech techniques. The lighter the wheel dish
is in relation to the wheel spider, the less sluggish the wheel is.
The result is improved acceleration and braking ability, as well as
optimised handling and greater driving comfort. AEZ Lite tec® weighs
between 20 and 35 percent less than normal alloy wheels. The wheels
fitted on the Rinspeed eXasis are especially developed for this
vehicle but based on the 3-piece forged Lite tec® wheel AEZ Nemesis
which will be available for the public from March 2007.

Biofuel24 is one of the first professional conversion
specialists in Europe for bioethanol (E85). Bioethanol made from
renewable raw materials has been established for a long time in
Brazil and Sweden. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. It
is possible to produce E85 in an environmentally compatible way from
sugar beet or by fermenting wood. Combustion is largely CO2 neutral.
The control units from Biofuel24 allow any vehicle fitted with a
petrol engine to be converted to this environmentally friendly
technology - from the older Euro1 LDV through to the future Euro5
vehicles. Depending on the vehicle type, the consumption only goes
up by a mere 1 to 2 litres/100 km. Thanks to the high octane number
of 110 ROZ, the engine performance is boosted; for example in the
Rinspeed eXasis it increases by up to 20%. A Biofuel24 conversion to
E85 thus also takes car tuning enthusiasts into account. In other
words, protecting the environment can also be an absolutely fun
thing to do.

Biofuel24 is a conversion, shop and filling station concept, which
entails converting conventional vehicles to environmentally friendly
technology. Even by the end of this year, Europe will have 50
Biofuel24 service stations. By 2020, over 1300 such service stations
are planned throughout Europe, where diesel engines will be
converted to vegetable oil, and petrol engines to gas or bioethanol
E85. At the same time, fuels and sensible, tested technology for
saving fuel will be offered. By way of example, larger belt pulleys
for alternators, which, according to a test by the German
Association for Technical Inspection (GTÜ) save a good half litre of
fuel. According to a large-scale test, regional buses fitted with
the Biofuel24 pulley save up to 3.5 litres over 100 km, whilst in
taxis, the consumption is reduced in short-distance driving by up to
1.5 litres per 100 km. Biofuel24 thinks further than others. By
entering into a long-term cooperation with a leading catering chain,
as well as primary raffinate, Biofuel24 can also offer recycled
vegetable oil, which is centrifuged, filtered and processed into
fuel all at the same location. Upon request, particulate filters can
also be retrofitted. CO2 neutral fuel from biomass, not from
foodstuffs, is what Biofuel24 dreams of.

Do nature a favour. Faster. Saab BioPower is a bright innovation

Saab BioPower is a bright innovation. Fill up with renewable
bioethanol and you’ll get even more performance. At the same time
you help to reduce fossil CO2 emission by up to 80 per cent. If
bioethanol is not available you can simply fill up with petrol, or
any mix of the two. The Saab 9-5 BioPower is a new model for you to
choose from. Drive it on bioethanol and output grows. So you’ll
enjoy faster acceleration, better response and even more driving
excitement.

Strähle+Hess / Oesterle SLR / SC Schäfer, a Member of the Hightex
/ Sellner Group

Hightex/Sellner is a medium-sized group of companies in the area
of "high-quality car interior equipment". Our expertise for crucial
details in the car interior provides the perfect appearance for the
total product as a tangible entity between technology, nature and
human being.

Under the leadership of the renowned Swiss design- and concept
creator Rinspeed and the Hightex / Sellner Group, who are the
experts regarding innovative and unusual design concepts using novel
materials and surfaces, the interior concept was created with a
vision of a holistic approach where shape- and design language act
as catalysts for the design of a specific world.

The “eXasis”: Through the interaction of all materials used, which
primarily exhibit light, transparency and permeability, we transfer
the viewer to a new level of sensuality. For the selection of
materials, we go back to the origins of textile creation. The outer
and inside worlds (Exterior and Interior) merge into a single unit.
The materials smoothly blend and fuse into a new statement of “you”
on a high level by abandoning their own “identity”.

Textile: Since materials are noticed much more strongly by the
senses, we decided upon a seat construction made from mesh and metal
fibers. The knitted metal leans on a distant era, which sends us on
a time journey back to the origin of humanity.

Lacquered textiles: The glass-fiber coated elements on the in- and
outside suggest precision and freshness. We selected a striking
pattern of lacquered filigree diamond-shapes that emphasizes the
value and authenticity of the textiles. The three-dimensionality
that is apparent throughout the fabric, defines the "textile"
characteristics.

Materials backed-up with Technogel (for head restraint and armrest):
Our “better-being” technology is an innovation. Its characteristics
are the “casting” of textiles in Technogel; this promises an
extraordinary experience regarding optics and touch.

Steering wheel: The unusual “steering wheel” is encased by knitted
metal. In addition to the fun factor, the characteristic of a
joystick patched with metal contains conveys “a pure message for
your skin”.

The "undercover": Being the little brother of eXasis, “undercover”
has yet to gain his own reputation. He disassociates himself from
the airiness of his brother and longs to be “earth-linked”. The
color concept of "earth-brown shades with sun-yellow highlights”
conveys a feeling of honesty and intensity. Here, the transparency
of eXasis reverses into self-sustained, dense material concepts.

The composition of “undercover” is based on geometry, i.e. on
rational-mathematical spheres. As a result, it is not surprising
that the interior expresses clear forms such as diamond shapes and
circles, thus creating different spaces “within the room".

As a connecting element, the "better-being" materials of eXasis are
further developed for “undercover” to form decorative and rational
details in the vehicle.

Seats (made from brown leather with diamond-shaped stitching): The
highly aesthetic and extremely comfortable seats are styled from
leather and feature a combination of stitching and diamond-shapes.
Accents are set through fancy stitching in sun-yellow shades that is
positioned in an unusual way. This combination idea reoccurs in the
door lining. Here, elegant trimmings and applications, also made
from lacquered glass-fiber, create a scenery of aesthetics and
opulence and skillfully set colored accents.

Roof lining: The roof lining is eye catching due to the concept of
combining diamond-shapes and circles. Here, "gel pads" cross the
area of roof lining and storage-space cover in a sleek circle. The
circular theme continues downwards, into the armrest and to the
floor area.

Total Access to eXasis

Rinspeed AG is presenting another of its legendary concept cars
at this year's Geneva Motor Show: the "Rinspeed eXasis". This
transparent car combines state-of-the-art materials with futuristic
design. As the icing on the cake, project partner
Kaba has supplied Rinspeed with an exciting new technology.

Thanks to Kaba technology, Rinspeed AG's new concept car can only be
used by authorized drivers. The driver is identified by touch and
personally welcomed. In itself, this is not revolutionary, but the
technology goes much further. The functions on the completely
transparent dashboard can be adapted to suit the preferences of
every authorized driver. What is more, the operational functions are
personalized by user. This means that every "button" in the car can
be programmed individually for each authorized driver.

As a result of the Kaba technology integrated into the "Rinspeed
eXasis", the equipment can only be used by people with the required
authorization. This is activated by a chip that is integrated into
the identification medium and that sends tiny signals through the
human body to a recognition unit. This provides absolutely
personalized access combined with the greatest possible convenience.

This Kaba technology may open up incredible opportunities for the
future. Think about it: Car theft is massively reduced since
vehicles equipped with this technology are totally immobilized until
an authorized driver is sitting behind the wheel. Computers start up
with personalized settings only when touched by the authorized user.
Medicine cabinets only stay open as long as they are being touched
by an authorized person. Otherwise they remain locked. Homes are
made safer for children by programming equipment such as ovens so
that only adults can switch them on, or by ensuring that balcony
doors or windows remain locked for children.

With this contribution to Rinspeed's latest concept car, the
"eXasis", Kaba is once again demonstrating its worldwide
technological leadership. Its visionary system approach proves that
access control is about more than just opening doors.

The Kaba Group is a market leader in the worldwide security
industry. Kaba provides innovative and comprehensive solutions that
ensure security, organization and convenience in a wide variety of
access situations and in the recording of personal and enterprise
data. The group employs around 10,000 people in more than 60
countries. Thanks to its longstanding Total Access Strategy, Kaba is
also a leader in the development and distribution of innovative
identification technologies. For example, in 1990 Kaba broke new
ground with the introduction of its LEGIC RIFD technology. This
technology is now used every day by more than 70 million people in
more than 50,000 installations.

For the latest Rinspeed concept car a high-tech coilover kit was
developed by the KW engineers. The suspension is individually
adjustable according to the needs of the driver. High-strength
aluminium coilover struts with patented KW damping technology of the
Variant 3 are made for a maximum performance with low weight. The
individual performance can be optimal adjusted by a separate rebound
and compression damping adjustment. This KW coilover kit offers
high-tech from motorsport with individual adjustment to the
demanding driver.

KW automotive GmbH is one of the leading manufacturers for premium
suspensions in small series worldwide. The Swabian company offers a
complete suspension range from motorsport to street use to all their
customers worldwide – from sports springs and sport suspension kits
to KW coilover kits “inox-line” in three damping variants to KW
competition race suspension kits.

Research and development are part and parcel at the headquarters in
Fichtenberg/Germany. More than one third of the 120 employees are
working on the research of new damping technologies and the
development of new and innovative products for the KW suspension
program as well as customers and industry orders. Since the end of
2006 the KW R&D team gets support from a high-tech hydraulic 7-post
rig.

KW automotive Group employs worldwide more than 200 employees in
five different subsidiaries - and this with upward trend.

Mecaplex Ltd

Company profile: The transparencies and aerostructure company
Mecaplex Ltd, founded in 1948, employs 80 specialists for the
aeronautical industry. The manufacturing program reaches from the
windshield of a Very Light Aircraft or a small Light Lens up to the
stable 30 mm thick windshield of a Fighter Aircraft. Optical quality
and order processing are certified to aerospace standards.

Activities: development and definition of canopies and complete
systems, manufacture of certified acrylic glasses, production of
aircraft structural assemblies, repair / replacement and overhaul of
windshield- and cabin – assemblies.

Certifications: ISO 9001:2000, EASA Part 21 Section A, Subpart G

Pirelli Tyre (Europe) SA

A
company with a great industrial heritage, for over a century
Pirelli Tyre has developed as a truly international enterprise,
deeply rooted in the diverse national markets. Pirelli Tyre is the
world’s fifth largest operator in terms of turnover on the tyre
markets. The Pirelli Tyre’s production capability is divided among
24 factories around the world. The commercial structure covers all
the principal geographic markets and reaches over 160.

Pirelli focus on high and ultra –high performance products that aim
to combine notable level of stability and safety in all driving
conditions. Benefiting from the continual transfer of experience
accumulated in competition, Pirelli Tyre provides solutions, such as
the PZero family- capable of satisfying the demands of the most
sporting clientele.

Pirelli has always devoted constant attention and significant
resources to innovation. The MIRS (Modular Integrated Robotized
System) is one significant example for a highly robotized system to
operate most efficacies production.

Another milestone is the new developed relationship with Rinspeed
eXasis starting in February 2007. In Hall 1/ Booth 1210 Pirelli will
be present with its latest innovation of the P ZERO Tyre , a
relaunch of the PIRELLI wheel and the wide product range , aiming to
support Rinspeed with its future projects.

„eXasis“ - a question about hovering or sitting

Rinspeed explores a new path of automobile development with its
concept car „eXasis“. In this new project the Swiss car refiner
dematerializes the vehicle almost completely. The transparent
concept car seems to vanish - as if it does not belong to our world.
A reflection of the development process of vehicles, showing how
visions turn into the proverbial material (the car to touch).

The seat has a special purpose as the material between the passenger
and the car. As an original pioneer of automobile seating,
Recaro focuses on a seat shell reminding on a backbone carcass
made of makrolon®, a “flying” fabric cover and a head rest cushion
made of transparent Technogel. Due to the hovering bolster, the seat
adapts itself automatically to the body shape of the passenger. The
interior abducts the passenger to a new world. Usual sitting turns
into relaxed sitting, even more - to hovering.

In the past and for the future Recaro will remain a pioneer and
market leader in seat manufacturing regarding quality, safety and
innovation in the automobile supplier industry and in the eyes of
the consumers.

About the company: Recaro is an independent company in the
internationally active Keiper Recaro Group which operates at a total
of 34 locations world-wide. About 8,000 people are employed in the
three divisions Keiper, Recaro und Recaro Aircraft Seating in the
manufacture of high quality products in the field of mobile seating
for vehicles and aircraft. The group achieved sales of about one
billion Euro in 2005.

Recaro has a long tradition. Founded in 1906 by the master saddler
Wilhelm Reutter – initially as a body factory -, Recaro can look
back over a 100-year company history. Reuter produced bodies for
vehicles such as the Porsche 356, VW Beetle, BMW 328, Horch and many
other well-known makes. The Recaro brand evolved from REutter and
CAR body. The first Recaro sports seat was presented in 1965. After
the merger with the Keiper company in 1969, Recaro operated as an
independent member of the Keiper Recaro family and is constantly
redefining mobile seating with revolutionary innovations.

Remus Innovation - profile

Remus Innovation research and exhaust-production ltd. was
founded in September 1990. With a staff of only five and a lot of
good ideas the styrian company started its story of success.

Remus expanded rapidly and became the world market leader amongst
the manufacturers of sportexhausts for cars and motorcycles after
only five years. Furthermore the company established itself as a
well known partner of the automotive industry in the field of
exhaust systems.

Nowadays well known companies from the tuning branch like Abt,
Brabus, Irmscher and Zender as well as partners from the automotive
industry like Daimler Chrysler, VW, Volvo, Porsche, Opel, Ford,
Seat, Renault, Mitsubishi, Ducati and Buell count on the know how of
the exhaust specialists from Austria. More than 90 percent of the
production volume get exported to more than 60 countries world wide
with an increasing tendency.

In summer 2002 the new research and development center was put into
operation to ensure and enlarge the leading position on the world
market. In autumn 2006 a new production facility with 5.000 square
meter enlarged the entire production area up to 17.000 square meter
for about 350 employees.

The latest product of the company is the Remus diesel particle
filter, a particle filter for diesel-cars which is totally
maintenance free and essentially reduces the very health-endangering
particles.

Sharp - the official multimedia partner for Rinspeed

The prominent Swiss design and engineering company Rinspeed is
developing a new concept car, the eXasis, with LCD giant
Sharp. An exceptional car merits an exceptional viewing
modality. And Sharp has achieved this with its new HD resolution TVs
(full HDTV resolution with progressive picture), which displays the
ideas and characteristics of this visionary vehicle with amazing
clarity and detail.

Sharp worldwide: Sharp, which employs 55,000 worldwide, offers an
extremely broad range of electronic products and is the world market
leader in the LCD TV and solar collector sectors, both of which are
currently of pivotal interest.

LCD technology and Sharp are virtually synonyms: Sharp has been in
the vanguard of LCD technology every since the company launched its
first LCD pocket calculator back in 1973. And thus it’s no surprise
that the latest generation of LCD TVs are from the Sharp factory in
Kameyama II, Japan, which is one of the world’s most modern
electronics production facilities. “Things are just beginning to
happen on the European market. In view of the many tube TVs in
Europe that are set to be replaced by LCD TVs in the coming years,
we feel that this market has massive growth potential. However, the
18 million LCD TVs we project will be sold in Europe in 2006
represent only a fraction of our worldwide market volume,” noted
Hans Kleis, Sharp’s CEO of all European subsidiaries and Operations.

Sharp sets its sights on the environment: Sharp’s strong commitment
to advanced technology is more than matched by its commitment to
environmental stewardship, a stance embodied by the fact that the
European Commission recently authorized Sharp to use the EU’s
coveted Eco label on its new LCD TVs. This is the thirtieth such
product that has been granted this distinction, and it makes Sharp
the world’s only LCD vendor whose products boast this coveted symbol
of environmental sensitivity.

Weber Automotive

Weber Automotive,
located in Markdorf/Germany on the Lake of Constance, is an active
international supplier to the automotive industry and consists of
three varying product divisions.

Albert Weber: Holding the core trade mark, Albert Weber has been an
active supplier of engine components to the automotive industry for
more than 38 years.
Weber Fibertech: With its E-LFT process Weber Fibertech offers one
of the few possibilities for the high volume manufacturing of crash
resistant plastic components.
Weber Motor: Development objectives by Weber Motor are based on the
demand of modern engine technology for minimal weight, high specific
performance and vastly improved efficiency.
Rinspeed eXasis Powered by Weber Motor® MPE 750: Integrating such a
powerful turbo charged engine into the Rinspeed product version
eXasis was an outstanding technical challenge. Along with the
minimized package and rear engine position, challenges are linked to
the thermal and dynamic performance capability. The vehicle is
capable with conventional gasoline as well as with Bio-Ethanol
(E85). The answer to this technical challenge is to position the
gear box underneath the engine. Thus an extremely short drive train
is realized. This ensures, in combination with the small
installation height of the turbo charged engine, an outstanding
vehicle weight distribution. In respect to the dynamic performance
capability the engine is also a sight for sore eyes: with turbo
charging, double throttle body and intercooler a 110 kW (150 hp)
engine with comparatively low 7.000 rpm is accomplished. This
engine’s performance is equivalent to that of 147 KW/l (200 hp/l)
engine. Every engine assembled in the Weber Motor Manufacturing
Center is done so according to highest quality standards. This is
documented by the hand signed engine plate combined with the serial
number found on each engine.